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Welder Generator

01-08-2013, 09:16 AM

Hello

Let me start by saying that I know almost nothing about welders/welding. I was asked by company to pick up a welder for our maintenance guy. We are a small oil distribution company and have a fleet of trucks to maintain. After some research and a few phone call, I picked up the Millermatic 252 200/230V.

I am having trouble finding a generator for this machine. Everything i find is for 240V and I was told this would not work with my machine. I have a budget of $1000 allocated for the generator. I would appreciate any suggestions the community has to offer.

Comment

Let me start by saying that I know almost nothing about welders/welding. I was asked by company to pick up a welder for our maintenance guy. We are a small oil distribution company and have a fleet of trucks to maintain. After some research and a few phone call, I picked up the Millermatic 252 200/230V.

I am having trouble finding a generator for this machine. Everything i find is for 240V and I was told this would not work with my machine. I have a budget of $1000 allocated for the generator. I would appreciate any suggestions the community has to offer.

Thanks

The 230v will work on 240v- pretty much the same

Look in the manual for where the tap should be for 230v- I believe the machine comes with it set up for 230v.

Now that that is cleared up - as others have mentioned it is not a Voltage question/problem you have it is a generator SIZE/wattage problem.

Big enough generator will run the MM252 but one big enough is going to some $$

Comment

Let me start by saying that I know almost nothing about welders/welding. I was asked by company to pick up a welder for our maintenance guy. We are a small oil distribution company and have a fleet of trucks to maintain. After some research and a few phone call, I picked up the Millermatic 252 200/230V.

I am having trouble finding a generator for this machine. Everything i find is for 240V and I was told this would not work with my machine. I have a budget of $1000 allocated for the generator. I would appreciate any suggestions the community has to offer.

Thanks

While doing your "Research" did you ever ask your maintenance guy what his recommendations for a welder would be? Since he will be the primary user, it would have made sense to get his opinion about this. But an engine drive is definately what will be needed in this instance, instead of a strictly electric rig. The Bobcat 225 or 250 are good suggestions along with the wire feeder if MIG is needed too. The stick capabilities of the Bobcat will probably fill most of your needs to repair the trucks W/O the wire feeder though. You will also most likely need a truck or trailer dedicated to haul the welding rig around along with all the necessary tools to go along with it.
During your research it would also have been a ggod idea to come on here to ask opinions about this before purchasing the 252, but since it hasn't been used yet then no foul on returning it.

Comment

Take back the 252 and get a MM200 and a $1200 gen. $3000 done
Just my .02 on that budget
Or as cruizer stated 250 Bobcat and VS Wire feeder @ $5400 + another $1000 for cart and lead
Welding is not cheap, to do it right!!!
Kevin

Comment

Two more options to consider for a lower cost, that may still fit your needs is the Blue Star 185 or the WildCat 200 both from Miller. A little lower cost than the BobCat but still fairly capable little welders.

Comment

Miller until recently made an 13hp 150 amp welder generator which had a built in mig gun woild work perfect, unit was called the miller renegage. Or get a bobcat 225 or lincoln ranger, with a spoolgun, or vs feeder.
Kevin